Sony Music and Nordisk Film to Release Masha and the Bear DVDs Licensing International Expo - May 2013

New Deals Inked With Leading European Distributors for The Award-Winning Family Show

Animaccord Animation Studios announced new international deals with key European partners to expand DVD collections for the award-winning animated series Masha and The Bear. Sony Music has acquired the rights to distribute 26 fully dubbed episodes in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Alto-Adige and German-speaking part of Luxembourg. The DVD collection will perfectly complete broadcasting of the series on KiKa Channel. Nordisk Film launches 3 DVDs with the same amount of the episodes beginning with a box-set featured the first season in Denmark, Finland, Norway and Sweden.

Being well-known for its all-round appealing humor and stunning HD quality, the story of Masha and the Bear inspired the leading broadcasters to launch an extensive distribution. Both deals with Sony Music and Nordisk Film have a potential to unlock incredible opportunities across Europe. In 2012 more than 1.1 million DVDs were sold only in Russia which is second place after Avatar.

To date, the multi-territory award-winning series has been sold to more than 30 countries around the world to lead broadcasters in each territory including: Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, India, Indonesia, Middle East, South Korea to name a few.

With 33 episodes developed, and a plan to produce 52 by 2014, the property is en route to becoming a transcultural hit, with worldwide interest backed up by a long list of broadcasting, DVD, and other media agreements with strong international partners.

Masha and the Bear animated series, targeted at children aged 3-9 years old, was launched in 2009 and today is amongst the Top 3 preschool brands in Central and Eastern Europe and one of the hottest licensed properties.

The worldwide licensing program, excluding the US, is handled through Ink Brands, while recently established Animaccord USA Co will be acting as the property’s representative across the United States.

Animacord will launch the Masha and The Bear international licensing program at Licensing Expo in Las Vegas on Booth #R171. It is the first time ever that a Russian company has exhibited at the Expo.